Introduction
Jimmy Kimmel is a celebrated American comedian, television host, and producer who carved his way from radio to late-night stardom. Early on, he embraced pranks and comedy, which paved his transition from local radio shows to national television. Since launching Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003, he has become a mainstay in pop culture, known for his sharp wit, family-oriented humor, and hosting award ceremonies.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Christian Kimmel |
| Born | November 13, 1967, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Age | 57 (as of 2025) |
| Height | ― (public info not reliably documented) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Comedian, TV host, Producer |
| Years Active | From mid-1990s to present |
| Known For | Jimmy Kimmel Live!, hosting Oscars/Emmys, award shows |
Family Background
| Relation | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | James John “Jim” Kimmel | Worked at IBM; of German ancestry, family surname originally “Kümmel”. |
| Mother | Joan Iacono | Homemaker; of Italian descent. |
| Siblings | Jonathan and Jill | Younger brother Jonathan works in television production; sister Jill is comedian. |
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Jimmy Kimmel grew up in a diverse cultural environment, with an Italian-heritage mother and a father whose ancestors were German immigrants. After being born in Brooklyn, his family moved to Las Vegas when he was nine, where much of his early comedy sensibilities were shaped. He is the oldest of three, and has maintained close ties with his siblings, especially in professional collaborations.
Extended Family
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Cousin Sal Iacono (aka “Cousin Sal”) works with him on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a writer/performer.
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Uncle Frank Potenza appeared frequently on Kimmel’s show until his passing.
Education
| Level | Institution | Field / Notes | Years / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School | Ed W. Clark High School, Las Vegas | General Secondary Education | Graduated, ~1985 |
| College | University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) | Attended for one year | Left to pursue radio/TV work |
| College | Arizona State University | Attended (no degree info) | Transferred; did not complete degree |
Jimmy Kimmel’s academic path was non-linear. Though he attended both UNLV and Arizona State University, he left formal studies to chase his media career. Nonetheless, his early college experiences helped him gain exposure and refine his comedic voice, especially in radio and local shows.
Career + Career Timeline
| Year | Role / Project | Description / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-1990s | Radio work in Las Vegas, Seattle | Built foundation in comedy and broadcasting. |
| 1997-2002 | Win Ben Stein’s Money, The Man Show | Gained popularity on Comedy Central; pushed comedic style. |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC) | Became host of long-running late-night talk show. |
| 2006-present | Hosting awards & game shows | Hosted Oscars, Emmys; revived Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; notable for hosting and producing. |
Controversies
| Year | Controversy | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! | The show was pulled indefinitely following controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death. |
While Jimmy Kimmel has largely stayed influential in late-night TV, he has not avoided controversy. In 2025, his commentary regarding the death of activist Charlie Kirk triggered backlash, resulting in ABC suspending his show temporarily. This reflects the tightrope hosts walk today between free speech and network standards.
Awards & Achievements
| Year | Award / Recognition | Category / Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Daytime Emmy (with Win Ben Stein’s Money) | Outstanding Game Show Host |
| Multiple years | Hosted major ceremonies (Oscars, Emmys) | Recognition as a trusted TV personality |
| 2025 | Outstanding Host for a Game Show at Creative Arts Emmys | For Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. |
Personal Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse(s) | First: Gina Maddy (1988-2002); then Molly McNearney (married 2013–present) |
| Children | Four children: Katie, Kevin (from first marriage); Jane and Billy (with Molly McNearney) |
| Residence | Lives in the U.S.; details of personal residences are private. |
Jimmy’s personal life is a blend of family and media. He’s father to four children from two marriages, and his current wife is Molly McNearney brings both personal and professional collaboration, as she works with him on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He often references his family in his work, balancing public visibility with private life.
Favourites
| Category | Favourite / Known Preference |
|---|---|
| Comedy Style | Satirical, family-friendly mixed with political and pop jokes |
| Format | Interviews, monologues, game show hosting |
| Collaboration | Frequent recurring bits with family, “Cousin Sal”, and ensemble show writers |
Net Worth
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $50 million (as of 2025) |
| Annual Salary | $16 million |
Lesser-Known Facts
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Jimmy was raised Catholic and served as an altar boy in childhood.
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His surname was originally “Kümmel” in his father’s family (German roots), later anglicized.
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He briefly attended two universities but did not complete a college degree.
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Obtained Italian citizenship in 2025 due to family heritage.
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Has a blended family: two children from first marriage (Kevin, Katie), two younger children (Jane, Billy) with Molly McNearney.
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Jimmy became a grandfather in 2025 through his daughter Katie.
Key Takeaways
| Jimmy Kimmel built his career from radio beginnings to becoming a major late-night TV host. |
| He is known for his humor that combines political satire, pop culture, and family life. |
| Despite fame, he maintains strong ties with his family and often includes them in his work. |
| Kimmel has earned recognition hosting award shows and game shows alongside running *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* |
| Recent controversy over comments led to the suspension of his show, underlining the risks of late-night commentary. |
Social Media Handles
| Platform | Handle / Link |
|---|---|
| @jimmykimmel | |
| @jimmykimmel |
Latest News
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In 2025, Jimmy Kimmel won the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
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Jimmy obtained Italian citizenship in 2025, connecting with his maternal heritage.
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In September 2025, his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended by ABC following comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. His talk show got temporarily suspended after he made a controversial remark about political commentator Charlie Kirk during a live episode.
- After the suspension, an audience member expressed shock, saying the atmosphere on set turned unexpectedly tense.
- U.S. President Donald Trump reacted on social media, stating, “Kimmel has ZERO talent,” in response to the show’s suspension.
Conclusion
Jimmy Kimmel’s journey illuminates how wit, resilience, and a connection to family can underpin a lasting media career. From humble radio gigs to hosting television’s biggest shows, he has stayed relevant through evolving formats and social landscapes. Though controversies emerge amid his public commentary, his core humor and authenticity continue to resonate widely.
FAQs
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Q: What is Jimmy Kimmel’s full name?
A: His full name is James Christian Kimmel. -
Q: How many children does he have and from which marriages?
A: He has four children: Katie and Kevin from his first marriage to Gina Maddy, and Jane and Billy with his current wife Molly McNearney. -
Q: Where was Jimmy Kimmel born and raised?
A: Born in Brooklyn, New York; moved to Las Vegas at age nine. -
Q: What controversies has he faced recently?
A: In 2025, he was suspended by ABC for his remarks about activist Charlie Kirk’s death. -
Q: What awards has he won?
A: He won the Creative Arts Emmy in 2025 for hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; also has multiple nominations and hosting credits for Emmys and Oscars.
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